The Shakespeare Tavern, Durham

Hi fellow students & patrons of the Shakespeare Durham, just to say sadly I am leaving Durham Uni to move onto pastures new and further South therefore won't be returning to Durham for the new term.
I have had a blast in the town & by far my best times have been at the Shakey, may it go from strength to strength & be the great sucess it deserves to be. I certainly will miss it & hope to return for an excellent pint of 80 bob when visiting mates from Uni. Thanks & good luck to Paddy, George & all of the staff. Cheers

26 Apr 2006 17:03

The Shakespeare Tavern, Durham

Hi folks, just wanted to say that because of this site & the more recent comments made by other patrons, I have met up with Kev Wilson for a couple of 'sessions' at the Shakespear & once again had a great time. Hic, hic, LOL.
We are both in total agreement that it is by far the best hostelry in the town & although a cheaper pint can be found elsewhere in Durham it is worth paying more for the best ale we have ever had & the warmest welcome given. The refurb is continuing & it now has an impressive new bar top & lighting which all adds to the 'feel' of a proper good owld pub.
The atmosphere is much calmer & friendlier than it was with the former management & the new landlord is diligent in sorting the wheat from the chaff in his no nonsence attitude & approach to any unruly patrons which is appreciated by the more discerning drinker. Cheers!

1 Dec 2005 13:44

The Shakespeare Tavern, Durham

I walked past the Shakespeare this morning to find several guys waiting outside for opening which in itself was a good sign so I thought I would have a look in again too LOL. Just to say the Cask beers are now available & what a selection. There is 80 bob,which I sampled rather more than I should have done! bloody lovely. Courage Directors,and Deuchards IPA.
The place was bouncing and well it should. It is the best beer I have had in a very long time and it is deffo going to be my 'local' Congratulations.

5 Nov 2005 15:57

The Shakespeare Tavern, Durham

I used to be a regular at the 'Shakespear' but over the last couple of years I experienced a decline in the standard of the beer and the welcome I received made me feel I was more like an inconvenience than a paying customer. Unlike Markre comments below I had no trouble with the 'regulars' just the staff.
I was therefore interested to hear it had been sold & re opened again, under new management earlier this week.
With a spring in my step & a feeling of hopeful optimism I visited the afore mentioned hostelry on 2 occasions this week & have pleasantly witnessed a complete transformation inside. Hard work & a total refurb was evident, although the new colour of the paint work was 'interesting'(but worth a visit just to see it)the surroundings far superceeded the previous dull & dirty interior without detracting from it's character within.
The original floorboards have been tastefully restored to their former glory & some of the previous 'surly' & disinterested staff (including the barman) have been replaced by far cheerier ones, I'm glad to report.
The 'team' is headed by the new landlord & owner, a knowledgeable & enthusiastic guy who emits a very warm welcome & an obvious passion for ale, gained by a lifetimes experience at the 'otherside' of a bar he told me LOL.
The keg beer shows great improvement & the landlord will soon be offering cask beers as soon as the old cellar re-vamp is complete. WATCH THIS SPACE.
The seating has been stylishly re upholstered, the inside walls are displaying fabulous photographs of Durham & Newcastle which were taken by a reknowned International photographer & are available for sale to locals & tourists alike. In the near future the pub will be open for coffee & freshly made to order sandwiches always welcome for a hungry student.
I was delighted with the new surroundings & will once again regularily be patronising the 'shakey' & would like to wish all concerned a successful & well deserved future. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! from a very satisfied customer.

3 Nov 2005 18:23